What the Austen? Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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What the Austen? Podcast

Izzy Meakin

Arts

Frequency: 1 episode/21d. Total Eps: 96

What the Austen? is a cosy podcast hosted by Izzy Meakin, exploring the wit, charm, and quirks of Jane Austen’s novels through lively conversations with fellow enthusiasts. We embrace the full spectrum of the Austen fandom and hope this podcast will help deepen your love for her timeless tales. On YouTube and all podcasting platforms. @whattheausten

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Episode 93: The Perfect Pride & Prejudice retelling for Autumn | Pride, Prejudice and Peril, Author Jessica Bull

Sunday, October 4, 2026 • Duration 01:22:32

In this episode, I’m joined by author Jessica Bull to dive into the fascinating true-crime world behind her new book Pride, Prejudice and Peril 💛We go back to Jane Austen’s own family history and the extraordinary story of her aunt, Mrs Leigh-Perrot, who was arrested and put on trial for stealing a piece of lace. From accusations of theft and courtroom drama to highwaymen, Regency crime and the sensational pamphlets that people were rushing out to read, we explore the real-life stories that fascinated Austen’s world.We also talk about Mrs Austen herself and the creative life she led, including the poems she wrote, and what these glimpses into Austen’s family can tell us about the world that surrounded Jane. It’s a brilliant foundation for talking about Jessica’s Miss Austen Investigates series and the way she transforms these fascinating historical details into irresistible mystery stories 🔎📚We get into how much of the Regency’s obsession with crime and scandal makes its way into the books, what it might have been like to live through a very public trial, and why the people and events surrounding Jane Austen can be just as fascinating as the fictional worlds she created.And, of course, we talk all about Pride, Prejudice and Peril, the latest adventure in the Miss Austen Investigates series. Jess has joined me for so many amazing episodes discussing this series: As mentioned in the episode, you can pick up Jessica Bull’s Pride, Prejudice and Peril here: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/471852/pride-prejudice-and-peril-by-bull-jessica/9780241773628 Other Books & podcasts mentioned in this episode:Jane Austen and Crime* by Susannah FullertonJane Austen's Book Shelf* by Rebecca RomneyThe Women’s Print History* podcastFollow Jessica Bull:@jessicabullnovelistYou can also check out my previous episodes with Jess, featuring the other books in the Miss Austen Investigates series:Book 1: https://youtu.be/W1IThdNYfMs?si=at4FVB4Q3dqKRATz Book 2: https://youtu.be/Rq4rdYdLHY8?si=ogFpPJp9U3KuncFj Book 3 (Xmas Novella): https://youtu.be/qLZrKTMcjOE?si=a9yYQKa9ha5om_kiFollow @whattheausten for everything about me....😂

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Episode 92: Kitty & Mary by Julia Gray and Imogen Russell Williams 🤍📖

Episode 68

Saturday, September 5, 2026 • Duration 57:46

What happens to the Bennet sisters who are left behind? 🤍📖

Kitty & Mary by Julia Gray and Imogen Russell Williams is OUT 10th Sept 2026.

https://www.andersenpress.co.uk/books/kitty-and-mary/

In this episode, I sit down with Julia and Imogen to discuss Mary & Kitty, their brilliant new reimagining of Pride and Prejudice, set six months after the events of Austen's novel and finally putting these two often-overlooked Bennet sisters centre stage.

We talk about the women who are “left behind” once everyone around them starts getting married, and the surprisingly modern pressures that come with feeling as though you’re not following the traditional path. What happens when you can build a perfectly happy life for yourself, but still feel that you’re missing the milestones everyone else seems to be celebrating?

We also get into Kitty’s wonderfully relatable self-improvement lists, the pressure women put on themselves to become more attractive, accomplished and desirable, and how acting gives Kitty a way to explore who she might become. And, of course, we talk about the very different relationship between Mary and Kitty and the special bond between sisters and female friends.

Along the way, Julia and Imogen share how their long friendship led to their first collaboration, what it’s like to write a novel together, and why they chose the epistolary form. We talk about Austen’s own experiments with letters in Lady Susan and the original version of Sense and Sensibility, as well as the literary world surrounding Mary and Kitty, from The Mysteries of Udolpho and Evelina to the Romantic poets.

And then there’s the wider world beyond Austen’s drawing rooms: travel, India, life aboard ships, French attacks on passenger vessels, and even one particularly memorable death involving a pork chop. 😂

It was such a pleasure chatting to Julia and Imogen, and I really hope you enjoy this one.

Episode 91: Miss Bates | Poverty, Fearing 'old maids' and neurodivergence wit author Catherine Cliff

Episode 91

Saturday, August 8, 2026 • Duration 01:17:23

What happens when one of Jane Austen's most overlooked characters takes centre stage? 🤍📖As I mentioned in the episode, I loved Catherine's book Miss Bates, and I highly recommend people pick it up: BOOK🇺🇸 United States: 7 July 2026 OUT 🇬🇧 United Kingdom: 27 August 2026In this episode, I sit down with Catherine Cliff to discuss Miss Bates, her debut novel and brilliant reimagining of Emma through the eyes of one of Austen's most misunderstood women. We explore the realities of women's lives in the Regency period, including poverty, illness, violence, dependence on men, and the limited choices available to women.We also talk about the idea of women in midlife becoming invisible or even feared, how Miss Bates offers a compelling neurodivergent reading, and what it means to navigate a world that isn't built for those who are perceived as different. Along the way, we discuss seeing Highbury from a very different perspective, Emma Woodhouse through Miss Bates' eyes, and how revisiting a beloved classic can reveal the stories that were there all along.It was such a pleasure chatting to Catherine; I really hope you enjoy this one. PS. I'm still working my set-up, and clearly this camera option, although clear, is not great for angle, and also it's a bit glitchy. Noted for next time. Follow @catherinecliffwritesFollow @whattheausten for everything about me....😂____________Supporting the podcast: London Nootropics - Adaptageic mushroom coffee Use code IzzyMeakin to get 20% off at checkout. LINKThe blend I’m drinking in this episode is from MushLove.It combines the benefits of coffee and adaptogens in a perfectly balanced dose, designed to help you feel like the most elevated version of yourself.____________________Wilsons Pet Food Wonderful fresh dog food, that your dog will love and is full of protein and nutrients. Use code WHATTHEAUSTEN for 20% off. AD Disclaimer: What the Austen? is a true passion project that I produce alongside my full-time job. Brand partnerships and sponsorships help cover the costs of keeping the podcast running, from recording software and equipment to editing and hosting. If you choose to use one of my affiliate codes, thank you! Every purchase helps support the podcast and allows me to keep creating free Jane Austen content.

Bonus Episode: Our Sense & Sensibility Trailer Reaction!

Sunday, July 12, 2026 • Duration 01:07:41

The *Sense & Sensibility* trailer has arrived, and we had thoughts! 🎬In this bonus episode, Caily and I share our reactions to the first look at Focus Features’ new film, from the trailer itself to the posters and the wider promotional campaign. We chat about what’s caught our attention, what has us intrigued, and what we’re hoping to see as the film’s release gets closer.Please note: there are **book/story spoilers** in this episode. Everything shared is just our own personal opinions and thoughts, and we’d love to hear yours too!Apologies for the reduced video quality in this one. I had to use a backup file because the original recording became corrupted. Thank you for bearing with us!

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Episode 90: Pistols at Dawn? Col Brandon and Willoughby's Duel in Sense & Sensibility

Episode 90

Saturday, July 4, 2026 • Duration 01:12:54

Did Regency gentlemen really fight duels to defend a woman's honour? Was Colonel Brandon the gallant hero we often imagine, or was his challenge to Willoughby driven by anger, revenge, and a deeply ingrained code of masculine honour?In this episode of What the Austen? I'm joined by Paul Bavill from History Rage to separate fact from fiction as we explore the fascinating world of Regency duelling. Together, we unpack why gentlemen really challenged one another, the strict rituals that governed these deadly encounters, and why many duels weren't intended to end in bloodshed.Using Colonel Brandon's notorious, yet only briefly mentioned, duel with Willoughby in Sense and Sensibility as our case study, we ask whether Austen presents Brandon as a romantic hero or subtly critiques the culture of honour that drove men to risk their lives over reputation.Expect plenty of myth-busting, surprising historical facts, and a fresh perspective on one of Austen's most admired gentlemen.Whether you're an Austen fan, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about the real Regency era, this episode is sure to challenge what you thought you knew about pistols at dawn.As I mentioned in the episode, be sure to check out Paul's podcast and hop aboard the Rage Train! History Rage is a weekly podcast where historians of every flavour and period come together to answer one simple question: "What's the one historical 'fact' you wish everyone would just stop believing?" From there, the sparks really do fly!Follow @historyrage for more historical myth-busting, and @whattheausten for all things Jane Austen... and, occasionally, me. 😂London NootropicsIf you'd like to try adaptogenic mushroom coffee, you can use my code IZZYMEAKIN for 20% off at checkout:https://londonnootropics.com/IZZYMEAKINThe blend I'm drinking in this episode is Flow, which combines speciality coffee with adaptogenic mushrooms to help support focus and calm.Wilsons Pet Food: Delicious, fresh dog food designed by nutritionists to give your dog everything they need to thrive. Packed with wholefoods, prime cuts of meat and vibrant veg. https://www.wilsonspetfood.co.uk/discount/whattheausten Code: whattheausten for 20% off AD Disclaimer: What the Austen? is a true passion project that I produce alongside my full-time job. Brand partnerships and sponsorships help cover the costs of keeping the podcast running, from recording software and equipment to editing and hosting. If you choose to use one of my affiliate codes, thank you! Every purchase helps support the podcast and allows me to keep creating free Jane Austen content.

Episode 89: Stories Set in Stone: Jane Austen and Bath Abbey with Jackie Herring

Episode 89

Saturday, May 2, 2026 • Duration 01:02:41

In this episode, I’m joined by historian, author, and Austen expert Jackie Herring as we step inside Bath Abbey, home to over 1,500 memorials, each with its own story. Amongst the stones, we uncover not only the world Jane Austen knew, but the real people who may have shaped her writing and world in ways we are still discovering today.

Jackie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, having previously served as Director of the Jane Austen Festival, leading tours in Bath and the Abbey for many years, and now working as Editor of Jane Austen’s Regency World Magazine. Together, we explore the rich and often surprising connections between the Abbey and Austen’s life.

From a royal governess connected to Queen Charlotte’s household, to an innkeeper whose name echoes through Emma, to an ambitious entrepreneur who revolutionised the postal system, these lives, memorialised in the Abbey, offer fascinating glimpses into the society Austen observed so closely. We also explore more personal connections, from the apothecary who cared for Austen’s family, to the grief surrounding her father’s death, and a family friend whose story hints at the complex realities behind novels like Mansfield Park.

Jane Austen lived in Bath from 1801 to 1806, and while the Abbey would have looked different in her time, its walls and floors still hold echoes of her world. This conversation invites us to slow down, to look closer, and to remember that history is not just written in books-it is set in stone.

Visit Bath Abbey: https://bathabbey.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/62090?catID=59521&

Jackie’s book Jane Austen's Bath Abbey: https://www.janeaustenmagazine.co.uk/books.php

Episode 88: The Other Bennet Sister with Screenwriter Sarah Quintrell | Adapting Janice Hadlow's book for BBC 📖

Saturday, April 4, 2026 • Duration 01:09:09

*Warning: some spoilers in this ep*

In this episode, I’m joined by screenwriter Sarah Quintrell to dive into the world of Mary Bennet and the brilliance of The Other Bennet Sister 💛

We talk about why Mary’s story feels so important, from comparison culture and beauty standards to that deeply relatable feeling of being overlooked or “not quite enough.” We explore how this adaptation brings Mary to the centre, giving her the respect and emotional depth she was never afforded in Pride and Prejudice.

We also discuss the idea that we all think we’re Lizzy but might actually be Mary, the power of perspective in reshaping characters like Mrs Bennet, and how themes like self-worth, female friendship, advocacy, and finding your people still resonate so strongly today. We also get into the challenges of adapting a book for screen, what gets left behind, the influence of Romanticism, and of course some of the Easter eggs and iconic moments woven in for Austen fans along the way 👀💛

As I mentioned in the episode, I loved Janice Hadlow's book The Other Bennet Sister, and I highly recommend people picking it up.

Follow @theotherbennetsister for everything about the show.

Follow @whattheausten for everything about me....😂

Supporting the podcast and the world of Jane Austen:

Jane Austen House - Rainbow Quote Mug Collection available from their online shop.

London Nootropics - Adaptageic mushroom coffee

Use code IzzyMeakin to get 20% off at checkout.

The blend I’m drinking in this episode is from MushLove.It combines the benefits of coffee and adaptogens in a perfectly balanced dose, designed to help you feel like the most elevated version of yourself.

Episode 87: Jane Austen the pianist: How music shaped her life and writing with Jeneba Kanneh-Mason

Episode 87

Sunday, February 22, 2026 • Duration 46:04

In this episode, we’re joined by pianist Jeneba Kanneh-Mason to explore Jane Austen’s creativity beyond the written word and through music. We talk about Jeneba’s recent project Jane Austen’s Piano EP (Available on Spotify and Apple Music now) and her extraordinary experience playing the Clementi pianoforte at Jane Austen’s House, reading directly from Austen’s own sheet music.

Together, we unpack the role of music in Austen’s novels, not merely as social decoration, but as a vital form of expression and emotional release. Consider music as a language Austen spoke fluently and something that's been captured by many adaptations over the years with some outstanding scores like the 2005 Pride and Prejudice. The conversation also draws surprising and delightful connections between Austen’s writing and the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, particularly the way her novels move like concertos: balanced, playful, and emotionally precise.I hope you enjoy this new reflection on an art form that was as special to Austen as writing itself, even if it was practised for personal pleasure and shared most often with those closest to her.

She Played and Sang: Jane Austen and Music by Gillian Dooley

I mention this book in the episode, and it’s one I thoroughly enjoyed and used while preparing for this discussion. It’s full of fascinating insights into Jane Austen’s relationship with music, some of which were completely new to me, alongside striking analysis of how music appears throughout her novels. I’d really recommend this read if you enjoyed the episode or if you’re a lover of music.

Ways to support the podcast, and yourself through things I use and love:

Tembo - Saving for a house?

I know that for many of us, saving to buy our own home can feel like a far-off dream. For the past few years, though, I’ve been using the Tembo app to help me save for my first home, and it’s made the process feel easier, more consistent, and genuinely enjoyable because I can see real progress month by month. The app also offers helpful advice and guidance on recent policy changes, along with recommendations for mortgage brokers, pricing, and interest rates. If you’re saving too, I really recommend giving Tembo a try.

Episode 86: John Mullan on Jane Austen's Alchemy: Style, Structure, and Story 📖

Episode 86

Sunday, January 25, 2026 • Duration 01:02:36

250th Birthday Edition: What Matters in Jane Austen? by John Mullan: ⁠https://amzn.to/4sA9fbG⁠

In this episode, I’m joined by John Mullan to explore the remarkable range of Jane Austen’s novels and the beauty of her unique literary style. We talk about how free indirect speech shapes our intimacy with characters like Emma Woodhouse, drawing us into her mind while quietly revealing her blind spots. We also explore why Mansfield Park feels so different from Austen’s other novels and yet has a lot of depth to unpack.

Along the way, we reflect on the enduring magic of Pride and Prejudice: why it feels so alive and so perfectly balanced. From irony and voice to structure and silence, this conversation celebrates the many ways Austen writes.

Whether you’re a lifelong Austen reader or returning to her novels with fresh eyes, this episode is an invitation to notice, to linger, and to fall in love with her work all over again 📖🤍

Ways to support the podcast, and you through things I use and love:

What Matters in Jane Austen? by John Mullan on audible: https://amzn.to/4qkDe60

Like so many of you, I love listening to Jane Austen’s novels as audiobooks, so I wanted to share a few of my favourites that are currently available on Audible. It honestly helps me get through so many more books, and it’s especially brilliant when I’m rereading Austen yet again for the podcast. I’ve used Audible for many years now, and if you’d like to join, you can use my affiliate link below. You’ll get access to all these Jane Austen listens, and it helps support the podcast at no extra cost to you, which I’m always so grateful for.

Episode 85: What did Jane Austen's Xmas celebrations look like? with Jessica Bull

Sunday, December 7, 2025 • Duration 50:00

I thought a fun Christmas episode would be to discuss Regency Christmas traditions. From mistletoe to ghost stories, we get into the festive Regency spirit on the podcast.

Author Jessica Bull is joining me to share her insights and to talk about her new Christmas novella, which falls into her Jane Austen Investigates series, The Austen Christmas Murders.

I hope you enjoy this episode, and as Jane Austen herself wrote, “Merry Christmas, but no compliments of the season.”

Wishing you a wonderful festive period full of love and light!

Jessica Bull:
@jessicabullnovelist
https://jessicabullauthor.com/

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What the Austen? Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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What the Austen? Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

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Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other23

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Amazon7

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